Update Galaxy Tab S2 with T818WVLS3BRG1 July 2018 Security Patch

Samsung just released the July 2018 Security Patch for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. The patch will bring the firmware build number to T818WVLS3BRG1 and will secure the overall Android experience. The software is OTA available in Canada and will soon be offered for other markets too. However, the full Android package was released online which means that you can also choose to flash the update manually by using Odin. Well, that’s exactly what we will be checking during the following guidelines: learning how to use Odin for manually updating the Galaxy Tab S2 to July 2018 Security Patch.

The July 2018 Security Patch is the latest Android update rolled out for your Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. The software will ensure a stable and smooth Android UI and will address the recently reported bugs. Additionally, it will fix the software security vulnerabilities and will add new stability improvements. Overall, for the best Android experience you shouldn’t skip the July 2018 Security Patch. Now, for being able to receive the OTA your tablet should already run on stock Android OS and tweaks shouldn’t be applied – for example, if root was enabled you won’t be able to receive the Android notification on your handset.

In those situations you will have to follow and apply the manual flashing process – by using Odin you can apply the official update even when root is enabled or when a custom ROM firmware is running instead of the stock Android OS. Anyway, if you do so, in the end you will manage to restore your tablet back to factory state meaning that you will revoke root status, relock the bootloader, reinstall the stock recovery image, reapply bloatware and so on.

Using Odin for installing the July 2018 Security Patch will not trip Samsung KNOX on your Galaxy Tab S2. So, you don’t have to worry about losing your tablet’s warranty or the access to built-in apps. Moreover, during the steps that are explained below you don’t have to use third party apps or other risky programs (Odin is an official program developed and offered by Samsung itself).

A backup should be first applied – your files must be secured during the update procedure, but in rare situations you might end up in losing personal info. Thus, in that respect, on your Galaxy Tab S2 use built-in cloud storage apps, or choose to sync certain files with your Google Account; or, access Google Play and download backup and restore tools. Anyhow, in the end make sure that you secured what’s essential, including contacts, call logs, texts, images, videos, audio files, market apps, internet settings, calendar info, saved passwords, IMEI / NVRAM data, EFS folder and similar other files that might be required afterwards.

Before setting up the July 2018 Security Patch on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 you have to make sure that you can use a Windows based computer. Your tablet and its USB cable must be there too. On your tablet you have to enable Developer Options which can be done by tapping repeatedly on Built Number – do that until the ‘you are a developer’ message shows up. Then, from Developer Options, under Menu - > Settings, you have to check the USB Debugging field.

Also, you must verify the power that’s left on your tablet. If the power is lower than 50% you should plug in the charger before doing anything else. When the power is low your device can get turned off right in the middle of the update operation, situation during which different malfunctions can be caused. So, avoid any unpleasant situations by applying these essential pre-requisites.

How Update Galaxy Tab S2 with T818WVLS3BRG1 July 2018 Security Patch

Download the T818WVLS3BRG1 July 2018 Security Patch for your Galaxy Tab S2 from here. Save the package on desktop.

Download Odin; then set up the flashing program on your computer by running the executable file and by following on-screen prompts.

On your PC install the Galaxy Tab S2 drivers – you can do it through Samsung KIES.

Run Odin when done and in the meanwhile, reboot download mode on your Samsung branded tablet: switch it off and afterwards press and hold the Power, Volume Down and Home buttons together, for a short while.

Connect your handset with your computer via USB cable.

Then, Odin will show the ‘added’ message and the its ID:COM section will be colored in yellow or in blue; if that won’t happen you will have to reinstall your tablet’s drivers on your computer before repeating the steps from above.

On Odin click on the AP option and then load the July 2018 Security Patch from your computer.

When asked, don’t check the Re Partition and Auto Reboot options.

Click on Start and wait while the update operation is being automatically completed.

The ‘pass’ message will be displayed on Odin and the ID:COM field will be turned green.

At that point, close the flashing program, remove the USB cable and reboot your Galaxy Tab S2.

That’s all.

In some situations, rare ones, issues might happen during the update operation. We will detail the most common problems that can be experienced while Odin is used along with the steps that must be followed for fixing these malfunctions:

The flashing program might get stuck right in the middle of the July 2018 Security Patch update operation. In that case you will have to follow the next steps: close Odin on your computer; also end Odin’s related processes – you can do that from Task Manager (bring Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard hotkeys); then, disconnect your handset from your computer (just remove the USB cable); force restart your Samsung Galaxy Tab S2; reinstall your phone’s drivers on your computer; repeat the update operation from the beginning.

As already outlined, in the end you have to reboot your smartphone. Do note that this reboot will take a few minutes to complete – longer than a regular reboot. However, a boot loop is a problem so if that happens you need to: reboot recovery mode on your Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 – press and hold the Power, Volume Up and Home buttons at the same time, for a few seconds; from recovery make a hard reset and clear app data cache – pick ‘wipe data factory reset’ followed by ‘wipe dalvik cache’ and in the end from main menu of recovery choose ‘reboot system now’.

Good; so, now all you have to do is to test and try the new Android software on your tablet. So, that’s how Odin can be used for manually installing the July 2018 Security Patch on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. If you have questions or if you cannot manage to apply a certain step, don’t hesitate and contact us – also try to detail your problem as based on the details you offer we will try to find the right solutions as soon as possible. Thus, that’s all for now; enjoy and stay close for further tutorials and Android related tips and tricks available for your Galaxy Tab S2.